25 COMPENDIUM OF THE VETERINARY ART. 



vvhen localy or existing in a particular part*, 

 tKe increased action is in like manner con- 

 fined to the vessels of that part. 



When a part is inflamed, there arises in 

 it an unusual deo^ree of heat, oenerallv at- 

 tended with considerable tension and swell- 

 ing; the sensibility and irritabilit}- are always 

 increased, and produced by it in parts where 

 it did not before exist. In bones and tendons, 

 for example, scarcely any sensibility can be 

 perceived when they are in a state of health ; ^ 



* In local inflammation, though the larger arteries of the part 

 have their action increased, it is probable that their small branches, 

 wliich from their minute size are termed capillary aateries, are in 

 a state of debility, and distended with blood, which they are inca- 

 pable of getting lid of; the larger arteries; acting with vmusual 

 strength and quickness, will of course force a greater quantity of 

 blood than usual into these delicate vessels, so as to stretch them 

 beyond their tone, and render them incapable of contracting upon 

 tlieir contents. This accounts for swelling, heat, and redness of 

 an inflamed part, and shows the utility of bleeding by leeches on 

 such occtislons; as these worms attack orily the capillary arteries, 

 drawing otf the superfluous blood, and enabUng them to recover 

 their strength, and contract as before. This doctrine points out 

 also the efficacy of general bleeding, and purging, in local inflam- 

 mation, which tend to moderate tlie action of the larger arteiies, 

 and cause them to pour no more blood into their minute branches 

 than they are capable of forcing into their terminations — the 

 veins. We thought it p oper to say thus inuch of the thconj of 

 jn'.lammalion, as it may lead to a better practice tlian is com- 

 Tnonly adopted in treating the inllammatory complaints of Uorse5c. 



